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There are lots of fun things to do with your dog especially this coming summer. One of these is swimming in the sea. Most probably, you are confident that you can do this activity together since you believe the old adage that ”all dogs can swim.” However, in reality, not all dogs can swim. They can be trained to swim but not all dogs are natural swimmers. In fact, there are certain dog breeds that can never be good at swimming. Nonetheless, you can still help your dog learn how to swim and make him be more comfortable in the water. Here’s how.

Make the Idea of Swimming Appealing to your Dog

To help your dog become comfortable in the water, make the idea of getting the water appealing. Take him to a walk first and let him watch the beauty of the sea. Once your dog is tired from walking, he will feel the urge to get wet so he can feel refreshed. Help him associate water with positive things like refreshment and comfort.

Don’t Rush your Dog

Not all dogs will automatically swim in sight of water. Thus, there’s no need to rush your dog. Keep your cool and wait until he becomes ready to get in the water. If your dog is not comfortable, don’t force him to swim. Be patient and take things slow and never let it become a bad experience for your dog.

Hire a Professional Dog Trainer

Teaching your dog how to swim is definitely a daunting task. Hence, you have to work with a professional that will train your dog. Professional dog trainers know what to do so let them do the work for you while you still guide your dog during the whole process.

Ensure your Dog’s Safety

Your dog is precious enough for you to make sure that he is safe all the times. Let him wear life vest when learning how to swim and never leave him unattended when in the water.

Consider your Dog’s Age

Swimming should be introduced to dogs in their early years so you have to consider the age of your dog. If he’s already old but never experienced swimming, it is best to consult with a veterinarian before you take him to the sea and train him how to swim.

A kitten is a great addition to your family. Those soft lovely furs and expressive eyes are absolutely irresistible and you sure can’t wait to bring that cute kitty home. However, you have to prepare some important things before you bring a new kitten home. Here’s how you can get everything ready.

Make Sure the House is Safe for Kitty

Before you bring your kitten home, make sure that the entire house is safe for your new pet. Secure all harmful chemicals in a cupboard and keep all medicines in a safe place. Also make sure that all screens and windows are secure. Put away all sharp and shiny objects that may be harmful to your pet when ingested. Lastly, get rid of any holes or openings where your kitten can get stuck in.

Prepare Everybody for Kitty’s Arrival

Not everyone will be happy having a kitten around. However, you can do something about it by helping them understand the joy and benefits of having a little furry pet at home. Kids will surely be happy, but let them know that like humans, kittens will grow up too.

Take your Kitten to a Veterinarian

Before you take her home, take your kitten to a veterinarian first. It is very important so your cat can have essential tests and vaccinations. Make sure that your cat is in perfect condition before you welcome her home.

Prepare All the Things your Kitten will need

There are lots of things that your kitten will need once you bring her home. Thus, stuff your kitchen with cat foods and treats that are all appropriate for your cat’s breed. Prepare other essentials like food dish, water dish, scooper, cat litter, kitty tower, cat toys and grooming essentials as well.

Take Things Slow

There’s no point rushing things once your kitty arrives. Take things slowly and be patient with your kitten. It will take time for your little cat to get comfortable with her new home so don’t rush her or force her to do certain things. Also, remind your family members, especially the kids, that they also have to take good care of your new pet.

There are many misconceptions about cats that some cat parents want to clarify.

Babies’ Breath are Stolen by Cats

There is a tale that cats are stealing the breath of babies because they are related to witches and this make cat parents and new moms threatened. The truth is, cats do not steal infant’s breath. They simply want to cuddle with your baby, that’s why they try to get too close to the nose or mouth of your baby. Always look after your baby anyway if your cat keeps on doing this, especially if you are not comfortable with it.

Cats are Afraid of Water

This myth is certainly not true because there are cats that enjoy taking a bath or playing with water. Breeds like the Turkish Van love playing in water. The reason why cats seem to be afraid in immersing themselves in water is their inability to adapt to it. In fact, large cats also love to fish and play in lakes or streams.

Cats are Into Cow’s Milk

This misconception is not true. Kittens must get their milk from their mother cat before weaning. When weaned, kittens can eat solid food and milk is not necessary anymore. Most cats are lactose intolerant so when they consume some milk, they may experience problems. Fresh water will always go well with cats.

There are No Male Calico Cats

Actually, calico pattern is dictated by the X chromosome. This is why most calico cats are female. However, there are still chances that male calico cats will be born. Thus, this cat misconception is not true.

Declawing is Only Trimming of Nails

Declawing is definitely not equal to nail trimming. This procedure is a surgery and permanent. Some cat parents declaw their cats to prevent clawing of furniture. This behavior of cats is actually their way to trim their own nails, to mark their territory, and to stretch. You can prevent this by training your cat so there is no need to declaw. Declawing may also cause complications and problems with joints and behavior of your cat.

Dogs bark. It’s natural. But have you ever wondered why dogs bark anyway? Depending on the situation and the dog, Fido may bark for a variety for reasons including but are not limited to the following.

· Fido is happy.

· Fido can’t contain his excitement over something.

· Fido may be bored.

· Fido is feeling anxious.

· Fido is afraid of something.

· Fido is saying “Hello!”

· Fido may be feeling aggressive.

· Fido wants your attention.

· Fido is not really feeling well.

As mentioned, it’s normal for dogs to feel inclined to bark. You should expect it as a dog parent. It’s unfortunate that if the dog is allowed to get away with his excessive barking most of the time, it can be hard to control his behavior and even correct the problem with barking. This then results to frayed nerves, sleepless nights for you and even for your neighbors, and discord in your community. In short, a problem barker has a negative effect on you as the dog’s parent, your neighbors, and almost everyone your dog comes across with daily. NuVet Labs understand how this can be stressing you out so we’ve compiled these helpful tips to help you manage the situation when you’re living around the problem barker.

1. Don’t yell at your dog.

Yelling at Fido never helps you or him. You give Fido the impression that you enjoy barking each time you yell. The best way to teach him to follow your example is by speaking in a calm but firm tone of voice when dealing with him or other people when he is around.

2. Teach your dog to follow a command to be “quiet”.

Dogs are intelligent creatures and can be taught and made to understand when it is acceptable and not acceptable to bark. Train him to keep “quiet” by teaching him patiently about the command to be “quiet” until he learns to pick up your instructions.

3. Positive reinforcement

Achieve your goals in the baking department by giving Fido treats as rewards whenever he follows your command. This way, the positive behavior is reinforced and will help him stop barking at the wrong time eventually.

4. Mental and physical activities

Have you ever tried being at home all day without anything to do? If you did, there’s a huge chances you’ll be barking, too, like Fido. Keep in mind that a bored dog isn’t a happy dog. If you see your canine companion spending most of his time sleeping and has less engagement with you or your other family members, this can cause a variety of problems for your furry friend. Aside from boredom, your dog can turn to an anxious dog.

Anxious dogs have a tendency to bark so prevent this from happening by finding time to engage with your dog through a physical or mental activity for at least an hour a day. You have the option of breaking this up in increments of 5, 10, and 15 minutes per activity. Also make sure that your furry friend’s mental alertness is also attended to. Why not try cheese, a Kong matched with a peanut butter, or any kind of reward or chew toys specially made for dogs? Keep in mind that a bored dog will also chew things aside from barking, so address these unpleasant behaviors by engaging Fido in mental and physical activities regularly.

5. Consistency

Since you are training your dog to learn a new behavior, consistency is one of the keys to get him to be successful. Make sure you are consistent in addressing the problem barking so you don’t confuse him and make the problem barking worse by sending him a mixed message.

There is an underlying reason as to why Fido is barking and you have to find it out. He may be feeling out of place, is hurt, or he may be telling you a message. You’ll need to be patient and observant so you can determine what your puppy’s behavior is telling you.

2. Use sound.

Your dog may be barking because of some frightening sound he hears in his environment including other people’s voice or other dogs barking around. Block these out by using music that will make him calm down. You can also use his favorite cartoon show like Scooby Doo so his focus will be taken away from the noise.

3. Remove the stimulus.

Your dog may be barking because he is getting a view of other dogs passing by your house through your windows. If that’s the case, maybe it’s time to put some curtains or blinds. You also have the option of keeping your dog out of the problem room. In addition, you can keep him out of the places where he’s not allowed through the gates of your home. If your dog’s reason for barking is loneliness due to being isolated, maybe it’s time you bring him to doggie daycare or get him a new friend.

4. Evaluate your own expectations.

You may have brought your dog home because he is super cute and you’re thinking and hoping that he will play with the kids when they’re awake and in the mood for playing and sleep for the rest of the day. But your expectations may not be met.

Let us tell you a story. Fido started barking all night long when everybody was in their bed sleeping. Fido was bored and feeling anxious and what he wanted to do is spend time with his dog parents and family. So when he woke everyone up and his family can’t handle his excessive barking any longer, he was let out in the backyard even if it’s still the middle of the night. He barked restlessly awakening the entire neighborhood. The results were a sleep-deprived and angry family and sleep-deprived and really unhappy neighbors. Because of this, Fido’s family is considering getting rid of him.

From this story, we learn that if you don’t have the time to spend with a dog and you can’t give Fido the attention he needs from you, then don’t adopt him just because he’s cute. You’ll only do more harm than good so be sure to have realistic expectations when adopting a pup.

5. Ask for help from a professional.

If all else fails, seek the help of a professional in dealing with your dog’s disappointing behavior. Dog trainers are experts in this field and will be happy to work with you and Fido. Ask around from dog loving families and friends or inquire from local pet stores. They may know reliable dog trainers and can recommend them to you.

Important Note on Bark Collars

Bark collars do not work for the following reasons.

Dogs build a resistance to the shock induced by bark collars or to the squirt coming from the collars’ citronella. When you remove the collar to start training Fido using treats as reinforcement, you may have a hard time due to his motivation threshold being higher than normal.

Bark collars do not address the reasons why your dog may be barking, including boredom, loneliness, anxiety, and others.

When other dogs in the area bark loudly, it can cause the collar to squirt citronella or shock your dog. When you speak loudly or when you shout, it can also do the same thing, which doesn’t benefit your dog in any way.

It’s always been great bringing puppies to different places because it is an enjoyable experience going out. You can have fun together without having to visit the same areas all the time. Remember that no matter the season, there is always something nice to do. All you have to do is check out different events that cater to puppies and their owners, such as the ones listed here.

Dog Days of Summer

Happening in Ocean Pines, MD on July 18, this benefit event is free and perfect for different people who love hanging out with their dogs. They also have different exhibits and demonstrations to entice more and more people to visit and help raise funds for the Worcester County Humane Society.

More information is available at http://www.dogfriendlyoc.com/event/dog-days-of-summer

Yappy Hour

At the Ritz-Carlton of Dana Point, CA, you can find the perfect venue for find food and drinks that can be enjoyed by both you and your dog. Going to this event can greatly help certain organizations such as Canine Companions for Independence.

If you want to learn even more, you can visit http://www.bringfido.com/event/17027/

Pup Night at PNC Park

Pup Night is a great place to enjoy baseball with your dogs. Finally, here is an event to put together your baseball passion with your love of dogs. Ticket sales will all be remitted to local shelters, so enjoy the Pittsburgh Pirates at the PNC Park with all of your friends.

Learn more information from the Pittsburgh Pirates website – http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ticketing/pup_night_form.jsp

Bark in the Park

New York is another city where sports lovers can meld their athleticism with their passion for dogs. The Dodgers will be playing the Mets and at the same time, they will be endorsing the North Shore Animal League America. This organization is one of the largest animal shelters on the planet that practice no killing.

Learn more at http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/nym/ticketing/group_offers.jsp?group+bark_in_the_park

Walk, Run & Wag 5k

Marathons don’t have to strictly be for people. This Denver, Co event by International Hearing Dog, Inc. is a great way to get your exercise fix while helping out a wonderful cause.

All pet owners know that dogs need to be free from his leash from time to time to allow him to flex his muscles. The common ways to do this is to let your dog play in your yard or let him run in grass-carpeted parks. Even while you are careful enough to keep them within your sight, there are times when you have no choice but to let them be. For instance, another pet owner strikes a conversation with you or offers you food while you’re sitting on a bench. Chances are, you won’t be able to keep a hundred percent watch over your pooch. Before you know it, your dog will come returning with traces of grass on his mouth. This should sound your alarm bells. However, before you get all too panicky,

Why Your Dog Munches on Grass

The first thing to know is the reason behind this phenomenon of dogs tending to eat grass as though grass is food. Here are the common reasons:

Grass tastes like heaven for your dog.

Your dog’s stomach is upset and he thought eating grass will ease the discomfort.

Your dog found something to munch on the grass but for lack of accuracy, ends up eating the grass instead of the food.

Your dog feels like he is not receiving sufficient nutrients from his daily dose of food.

He is bored eating his usual dog meals.

What to Do in Case your Dog Ends up Eating Grass:

Know first which among the reasons listed above made your dog eat grass. If it’s because of boredom, then it’s time to get spend more time with your dog. Walk and play with him more often. Get him to do more physical activities.

Pay attention to your meal plan for your dog. If the reason for your dog’s behavior is because of number 4 above, contemplate on changing your dog’s food. Also, consider investing on highly-proven, safe and effective food supplements for dogs.

In all other cases and when you realized that you had just sprayed chemicals on the grass that your dog ate, call your vet immediately.

It’s official. Fido’s breath smells so unpleasant; it’s enough to put everyone to sleep. So as a concerned dog parent, you do everything within your power to curb the bad breath including flossing his teeth routinely, feeding him with a nutritious diet daily, and bringing him to your vet for check-ups whenever there’s a need.

You’ve taken all of these steps. However, the bad breath stayed and now you’re frustrated and worried. But don’t you fret because NuVet is here to assist you to ensure your dilemma with your dog’s bad breath is put to an end. To help you get started, we’ve put together this simple guide which consists of six helpful tips to help end your woes with your dog’s bad breath. Read on to learn more.

1.Good nutrition

It’s sad to encounter undernourished canines knowing that they may be experiencing bad breath, too since they do not receive adequate nutrition. So make sure it doesn’t happen to your own Fido by giving him a high quality diet.

2.Mouthwash

Like dog parents, Fido has toothpaste and mouthwash just made for him, too. There are a variety of doggie mouthwash available in the market nowadays and you may find it labeled as liquid tartar remover. To use mouthwash to address your dog’s bad breath, just pour a portion and mix to your dog’s water. Whenever he drinks from his water, tartar and plaque are removed from his teeth. The result is a healthier mouth and teeth for Fido.

3.Chlorhexidine

Dog chews and mouth sprays contain chlorhexidine, an antiseptic which is not only safe for Fido but also helps to keep his breath fresh. You can get dog products consisting of chlorhexidine at any local pet supply stores or by going online. If you’d like to know more about how chlorhexidine can help you, discuss your concerns with Fido’s vet.

4.Clean his dish

Routine washing of Fido’s dishes for water and food is a must to prevent bacteria build up on his dishes and to prevent them from entering his mouth. One study showed that about half of dog parents do not clean their furry friend’s dish routinely. If you’re one of them, buy a dish which can be safely cleaned in a dishwasher to make things easier for you. This way, you fulfill your duty as a dog parent.

5.Chews

There are a lot of different chew products sold at pet supply stores everywhere. A good example is Greenies, an interesting chew product that contains charcoal which helps in preventing bad breath in dogs. Buy one and have Fido chew it to keep his breath smelling fresh and clean.

6.Rawhide

Rawhide also helps in curbing your dog’s bad breath. Choose those which are high quality and if you need help in picking the right one for your dog, your vet will surely be able to help you. In addition, when your dog eats rawhide, there are situations when it can get stuck on his digestive track. So be sure to be with him and watch him while he eats rawhide.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a person who doesn’t love fruit salad. Almost everybody loves it and the great news is you can now have a serving of fruit salad with your favorite four-legged companion. All you have to do is gather a number of easy-to-find ingredients and follow some simple steps in preparing a healthy and scrumptious meal that your puppy is sure to enjoy anytime. You’ll be glad to know that you can enjoy consuming this recipe as much as your puppy would which makes it a perfect snack you and your favorite canine companion can share together. This will definitely save you time and effort!

To top this all, know that this recipe consists of vitamins and minerals essential for your canine’s health. It also contains fiber, which your dog needs for a healthy digestive tract and blackberries, which have a rich concentration of antioxidants essential in fighting free radicals. It is highly suggested to buy and use organic fruits for an extra healthy boost. On the other hand, if you are pressed for time, frozen fruits are also great!

Ingredients:

½ cup of yogurt, plain

½ of sliced banana

½ granny smith apple, seeded and cored

¼ cup of fresh strawberries, cut in half

¼ cup of blackberries

Step 1: Prepare the fruits by washing them thoroughly with clean water.

Step 2: Serve the fruit in your canine’s favorite dish.

Step 3: Spoon in yogurt.

Step 4: Watch and be amazed as your dog gobbles the food up!

Step 5: Make another bowl of salad you can enjoy yourself.

This summer time, show you furry friend how much he is loved and adored by taking the time to whip up and prepare this healthy and tasty salad both of you can enjoy.

Thinking of getting a new pet dog for your family? You should consider getting a poodle. Highly intelligent, poodles are easily trained, making them perfect family dogs. They love to have fun, are playful with kids, and friendly with strangers and other dogs. This impressive breed of dogs comes in different sizes, which means there is definitely a poodle suitable for any household size. Beyond that elegant gait and fancy hair-do, poodles have quite a few surprises up their coats.

1.Poodles are skilled hunters and retrievers.

Most people’s impression of poodles is that they are haughty and all prim and proper. They couldn’t be any more wrong. Poodles are very athletic and are talented swimmers. In the past, they were actually used by hunters as a companion when hunting and they fetch game that has fallen into the water.

2.Elvis Presley is a big poodle fan.

Because of their regal appearance, a lot of celebrities prefer poodles as pets. One of the biggest poodle enthusiasts in the entertainment world is none other than the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. His precious poodle was named Champagne. He used to give women in his life poodles as gifts, including his mother and wife.

3.They are considered geniuses in the canine world.

If poodles were humans, they are one of those straight-A students. They are one of smartest canine breeds, coming in second to border collies. Their high intelligence makes them very easy to train. Poodles also like to show off their skills so they are definitely fun to be around.

4. Poodles come in 4 different sizes.

There are 4 sizes available for poodles. The smaller types at 11 inches and 15 inches are called a toy poodle and miniature poodle respectively. They are perfect for small houses or condominium units. Medium poodles can reach 18 inches in height, while the tallest, called the standard poodle, can grow up to 24 inches. With the variety in sizes, it’s easy to find the perfect poodle for you.

5.They are the French people’s most loved dog.

Although believed to have originated from Germany, the poodle breed has been famous in France since way back the 1500s, and was made as the country’s national dog. Poodles are known to French people as “Caniche”.

6.Poodles are blessed with wonderful fur.

Poodles are well-known for their unique coats that poodle lovers style and cut in different fancy ways. Originally, hunters shear certain parts of the poodles’ coats so that they won’t get weighed down when the furs get wet, while still providing their bodies protection against cold. When left uncut, poodles’ hair will grow into chords.